How does a smart building do?
A smart building uses IOT devices to collect actionable data from user devices, sensors, systems, and
services on the premises. Applying that data using artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) makes the building both programmable and responsive to the needs of the users and the building engineers.
The security measures of the network also helps secure the network. For instance, the network can identify and segment devices and learn their behavior, to improve detection of anomalies and intrusions.
What’s the role of PoE in a smart building?
As PoE evolved from 15W to 90W of power across Ethernet cabling, the numbers and types of devices that can be powered and connected by PoE have grown dramatically. Using PoE to power devices also offers greater location flexibility and lower cost to deploy and operate them than using AC line voltage.
In a smart building, PoE can power devices such as sensors, lighting, HVAC control systems, elevators, and fire alarms, as well as USB-C laptops, TV and computer monitors, shades, refrigerators, and room air conditioners.
What is a smart building, by contrast?
A connected building can generally be described as a building whose operations technology is connected to and managed with the IT infrastructure. These actions often have occurred in silos, as various technologies doing various tasks around the building have evolved at different rates and combined using building automation software.
Benefits of smart buildings
Lower operational costs
A smart building can, for example, leverage data it collects to reduce use of electric lighting by adjusting shades to let in more natural light. Such lighting management has been proved to lower power usage dramatically. In turn, it can help buildings become more energy-efficient to meet or exceed stringent regulations for greenhouse-gas emissions.
Smart-building data can also support automated scheduling, from parking-space allocation to workspace assignment to conference room reservation.
Lower energy costs
Connecting lighting, shades, and HVAC systems, for instance, enables building operators to automatically adjust temperature, shades, and lighting based on time of day and occupancy.
Greater flexibility
Smart-building data can be used, for example, to detect changes in occupancy density. The building’s HVAC systems then adjust airflow, humidity, and temperature appropriately.
Or based on escalating density thresholds, lighting color could change to indicate too many people in a conference room, workspace, or building.
If you would like to learn more about the Luminetworx™ PoE lighting and automation controls contact us now.